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Russia and India are committed to bolster Malaysia's air defence, a top RMAF officer has said describing their help in operation, maintenance and flying of advanced Sukhoi fighter jets as a triangular "love story".Moscow sent a warranty team from aircraft manufacturer Irkut Corporation, while New Delhi complimented by dispatching an Indian Air Force (IAF) team for training the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) squadron of Sukhoi Su-30MKM jets.RMAF 11th Squadron commanding officer Lt Col Mohamad Asghar Khan said Malaysia's "love story" with Russia and India began in 1994 with the purchase of 18 MiG-29N Fulcrum aircraft under a Malaysian ringgit 1.3 billion deal."The fact that a foreign country is permitted to groom, train and equip your frontline pilots is by itself a testament of the confidence and faith they have in us. This is a strong demonstration of a high-level of friendship and diplomacy which is very commendable," IAF's chief flight instructor Group Captain K V R Raju was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.The instructor is leading an Indian contingent of four instructor pilots, one weapons systems officer, two engineers, 22 technicians and two administrative servicemen.The IAF pilots would be retained until August, while their colleagues would return after the completion of their two-year tour of duty in July.Raju said the trilateral collaboration was something unique as it provided a stepping stone for the country to groom its next generation of airmen."Thus far, our assessment of the RMAF crew shows they are of an exceptional high standard and I am confident the current crew will pass on their expertise and experience to others to take Malaysia to the next level of competency.""I believe strongly in this partnership, especially with the support of the proven Irkut Corporation and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in terms of obtaining reliable spares and equipment," Lt Col Mohamad Asghar Khan said.He was referring to the pioneer batch of six pilots, four engineers and 53 technical crew sent to Russia and over 100 technical crew sent to India for training.Russia has since deployed nearly 50 technical crew here, while India has trained 23 RMAF engineers and 260 technicians to date.
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